Beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Marlin L. Ames, 99, of Salina, KS, passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on October 6, 2023 – just two months shy of his 100th birthday.

Born on December 4, 1923, Marlin was the youngest of three children born to Ernest and Anna (nee Gebhard) Ames in Long Island, KS. From a young age, Marlin was a quick learner and valued education. His older sister, Dorothy, enjoyed playing school, where she had him so prepared that young Marlin skipped two grades, graduating from Long Island High School at the age of 16. Marlin worked several jobs before joining the Army Air Corps, where he was stationed in Italy during World War II. Upon fulfilling his military duties, Marlin enrolled at Kansas State Agricultural College (Kansas State University) to study electrical engineering. That is where he met the love of his life, Velma Paige. The two were married in 1948, and to this union, three children were born: Alan, Marla, and Kendi.

Marlin joined the US Postal Service in 1949 and served as Postmaster in Long Island, KS, then Downs, KS, until 1983. Following his retirement from the postal service, Marlin began a second career at Hartford Insurance, where he worked for the next 20 years. Never known to be idle, Marlin spent much of his leisure time woodworking, fishing, camping, and cheering on the ‘Cats. Marlin and Velma moved to Salina in 1988 and relocated from their home on Louise Lane to Eaglecrest Senior Living facility in 2016.

Marlin is survived by his wife of 75 years, Velma, of Salina; son Alan (Katy) Ames, Manhattan; and daughters Marla (Ken) Kuiper and Kendi (Brian) Carlgren, Salina; grandchildren Eric (Amy) Ames; Aron Ames; Malani Kuiper (Matthew Carey); Kaili Kuiper (Tom Fisher); Kim (Eli) Fort; Madison Carlgren; and Makenzi (Trey) Cullins; honorary grandson, Chris Senn; six great-grandchildren and many special nieces and nephews. Marlin was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Richard Ames and wife Wilhelmina, and Dorothy Tubbs and husband Dale.

Memorials can be made to Kansas Honor Flight, Inc.; Eaglecrest Senior Living of Salina; or Gentiva Hospice of Salina in Marlin’s name.

Service details are pending and will be announced at www.ryanmortuary.com.